Best Sushi at the Jersey Shore
From intimate omakase to BYOB favorites, find fresh Japanese dining along the coast
While the Jersey Shore is famous for its seafood and Italian cuisine, a growing sushi scene offers everything from intimate omakase in Atlantic City to beloved BYOB spots in Asbury Park. Whether you're craving traditional nigiri, creative fusion rolls, or a full chef's tasting menu, the Shore has options for every sushi lover.
Top Sushi Restaurants
Sushi by Bou
$$$$Atlantic City · Omakase
Intimate 8-seat omakase experience at Borgata with Tokyo-trained chefs
Must-try: 17-course omakase tasting menu
Reservations: Required
Kuro
$$$$Atlantic City · Modern Japanese
Upscale Japanese steakhouse and sushi at Hard Rock Hotel
Must-try: A5 Wagyu, chef's sushi selection
Reservations: Recommended
Taka
$$$Asbury Park · Traditional JapaneseBYOB
Beloved local spot with authentic preparations and creative rolls
Must-try: Sashimi platter, specialty rolls
Reservations: Recommended weekends
Sawa
$$$Long Branch · Japanese Fusion
Sleek Pier Village Japanese with sushi bar and robata grill
Must-try: Omakase nigiri, yellowtail jalapeno
Reservations: Recommended
Nagoya
$$Belmar · Traditional JapaneseBYOB
Long-standing local favorite with fresh fish and generous portions
Must-try: Chirashi bowl, spider roll
Reservations: Walk-in friendly
Kanji
$$Tinton Falls · Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi
Hibachi and sushi combo spot near the Shore
Must-try: Sushi dinner combos, dragon roll
Reservations: Recommended for hibachi
Miyako
$$Red Bank · Traditional Japanese
Authentic Japanese in downtown Red Bank with excellent sushi bar
Must-try: Chef's choice sashimi, soft shell crab roll
Reservations: Walk-in friendly weekdays
East
$$$Atlantic City · Pan-Asian Sushi
Casino sushi with extensive menu at Tropicana
Must-try: Signature rolls, sashimi tower
Reservations: Recommended weekends
Sushi by Region
North Shore (Monmouth County)
Asbury Park, Long Branch, Red Bank, Belmar
Best variety with BYOB options and traditional to fusion styles
Top pick: Taka in Asbury Park
Red Bank and Asbury Park have the strongest sushi scenes outside Atlantic City
Atlantic City
Atlantic City
High-end casino sushi including omakase experiences
Top pick: Sushi by Bou at Borgata
Casino properties offer premium Japanese dining but at premium prices
Central & South Shore
Toms River, Brick, Point Pleasant, Cape May
Fewer dedicated sushi restaurants, more Japanese-American fusion
Top pick: Local hibachi/sushi combos
Consider driving to Asbury Park or Atlantic City for dedicated sushi
Sushi Dining Styles
| Style | What to Expect | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Omakase | Chef's choice tasting menu, typically 12-20 courses of premium nigiri and sashimi | Special occasions, sushi purists | $$$$ |
| Traditional Sushi Bar | Classic nigiri, sashimi, and maki rolls with fresh fish | Everyday sushi cravings, groups | $$-$$$ |
| Japanese Steakhouse + Sushi | Hibachi entertainment with sushi bar option | Families, celebrations, groups | $$-$$$ |
| Modern/Fusion | Creative rolls, non-traditional ingredients, Instagram-worthy presentations | Adventurous eaters, date nights | $$$ |
Sushi Dining Tips
BYOB Sushi Saves Money
Several sushi spots like Taka and Nagoya are BYOB. Bring sake or a crisp white wine to pair with your sushi and save significantly.
Sit at the Sushi Bar
For the freshest cuts and best experience, sit at the sushi bar when possible. You'll see the chef's technique and can ask for recommendations.
Go Early for Best Selection
Sushi restaurants get their fish deliveries early. For the widest selection of daily specials, try lunch or early dinner.
Ask About Daily Specials
Good sushi restaurants have daily specials based on what's freshest. Ask your server or check the specials board for premium fish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the best sushi at the Jersey Shore?
Asbury Park's Taka is the local favorite for traditional sushi with BYOB. For upscale omakase, Sushi by Bou at Atlantic City's Borgata offers a premium 17-course experience. Long Branch's Sawa provides modern Japanese with waterfront views.
Are there BYOB sushi restaurants at the Jersey Shore?
Yes! Taka in Asbury Park and Nagoya in Belmar are popular BYOB sushi spots. Bringing sake or wine can save $30-50+ on drinks compared to restaurants with full bars.
Is there omakase at the Jersey Shore?
Sushi by Bou at Borgata in Atlantic City offers authentic omakase with an intimate 8-seat experience. Expect to pay $150-200+ per person for the full tasting menu.
What's the best sushi restaurant in Atlantic City?
For omakase, Sushi by Bou at Borgata is the top choice. Kuro at Hard Rock offers upscale Japanese with A5 Wagyu and excellent sushi. East at Tropicana has a more accessible casino sushi experience.
Do I need reservations for sushi restaurants at the Shore?
For omakase (Sushi by Bou), reservations are required well in advance. Popular spots like Taka benefit from weekend reservations. Casual spots like Nagoya are usually walk-in friendly.
Is the fish at Jersey Shore sushi restaurants fresh?
Quality sushi restaurants source fresh fish from suppliers, though not directly from local waters (most sushi-grade fish comes from specific fisheries). Restaurants like Taka and Sushi by Bou are known for high-quality, fresh fish.
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